Deep-sea mining in the spotlight: Blue whales and other endangered species at risk

Deep-sea mining for essential minerals needed for electric cars and green technology has ignited a global debate.

Scientists warn that mining could irreversibly harm marine ecosystems and endanger species like the blue whale.

The loud noise from deep-sea mining could disrupt the communication of marine animals like blue whales, dolphins, and porpoises. A study in Frontiers in Marine Science reveals that noise can impair communication between whales and their calves, hinder their foraging, and cause them to surface more quickly.

Such an impact would put additional pressure on species already threatened by climate change and fishing entanglement.

Countries like Sweden are advocating for a ban or moratorium on mining. They emphasized that minerals for transitioning from fossil fuels can be sourced through a circular economy and by using fewer materials.

Scientists caution that starting a destructive industry in the ocean, which remains 90% unexplored, could be a mistake. This risks destabilizing the ocean, the world’s largest carbon sink, due to our limited scientific knowledge.